'Implement OBC quota immediately'

Ramadoss, who met PM, also sought co-operation from JD(U), RJD and LJP leaders.

The Centre should immediately implement 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions through an ordinance and all political parties should support the move, Health Minister S Ramadoss on Monday said.

Ramadoss, on a mission to unite the forces of social justice in favour of the move, told reporters that he had already met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Union Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh and impressed upon them the need for giving effect to 27 per cent reservation to OBC students in higher educational institutions.

"I am happy to report that the UPA-Left parties supported my views and the government will be implementing the policy of 27 per cent reservation from the next academic session and an enabling legislation would be brought in the ensuing monsoon session of Parliament," he said.

"With a view to mobilise support for reservation, I visited Mumbai, Hyderabad, Banaglore and several other parts," he said.